So Proud of You Brandon

Airman Spotlight: SSgt Brandon H. Parker  Posted 3/25/2014   Updated 3/25/2014  Email story   Print story       Staff Sgt. Brandon Parker, 51st Force Support Squadron force management supervisor, poses for a photo at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 24, 2014. Parker is this week’s Airman Spotlight winner. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika) by Staff Reports 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs 3/25/2014 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Unit: 51st Force Support Squadron Job title: Force Management Supervisor Job description and its impact on the overall mission: I supervise and perform personnel activities and functions, including personnel action requests; source documents; unit, field, and master personnel records. I update military personnel data system (MilPDS) records and manage Air Force retention programs (UIFs), assist military personnel in making career decisions, and advise on benefit programs. I also ensure compliance with all appropriate policies, directives, and procedures. War-time mission: PDRF Team member achieving and maintaining 100% personnel accountability of all received and deployed forces "Ready to Fight Tonight." Time in the military: Seven years Time at Osan: Seven months DEROS: Aug. 2015 Family: My father, Ezell Parker; mother Angela White-Parker; and brother Malcolm Parker Hometown: Bellflower, Calif. Hobbies: Honor Guard member, photography, working out, PS4 gamer, and sneaker collector Why did you join the military? I always wanted to join, but was unsure of the military. I tried college, and excelled at it! Then I worked in the mall for a couple of years, working at shoe stores and things of that nature. No one in my direct family was in the military but my recruiter talked me into it. I had known people from high school in the Jr. ROTC and they all advised me to go Air Force as well. I honestly just wanted to serve and get some direction in my life. I came in as open Administrative and have been working as a personnelist for a few years and I am truly happy that I made the decision to join the military, especially the Air Force. Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? In 10 years I see myself continuing to grow with the Air Force and holding leadership positions that reflect my hard work, commitment and dedication towards the core values. In 20 years see myself retired from the Air Force and enjoying my weekends in my dream house. What do you do for fun here? Watch movies in 4D. What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? Deploying to Africa. What accomplishment are you most proud of? I was part of the Joint Honor Guard detail for the 7th AF annual awards, POW/MIA, and Battle Field ceremonies. I was honored to be collaborate with our sister services and represent the Air Force. Who are your role models? My parents, Michael Jordan and Eric Thomas (the "Hip Hop Preacher")

Sales Retreat in February while Median Prices Edge Higher  

by Madeline Schnapp 

        California single-family home and condominium sales fell 1.4 percent in February 2014 from January and declined 16.1 percent from February 2013.  Last month marked the lowest February sales since 2008.

        “Rapid price increases and rising interest rates in concert with sluggish income and employment growth have slowed demand…” said Madeline Schnapp, Director of Economic Research for PropertyRadar.  “Tougher borrowing standards, elevated prices, increasing borrowing costs and historically low inventory continue to exert a drag on market activity.”

         Despite the decline in sales volume, the February 2014 median price of a California home rose $5,000, or 1.4 percent, to $350,000 from $345,000 in January. On a year-ago basis, median home prices have jumped 21.1 percent.

        “The uptick in median home prices in February means little as seasonal factors continue to impact both sales and prices,” said Schnapp.  “Given the lackluster sales volume, however, median prices are unlikely to see the rapid gains that characterized the first half of 2013.”

         The number of California homeowners with more than 10 percent equity in their homes increased 2.3 percent, or nearly 120,000, in February. 

        “The decline in negative equity is certainly good news,” said Schnapp.  “But, it is important to keep in mind that 1.2 million California homeowners, or 13.9 percent, remain underwater and will continue to create significant headwinds for the California housing market recovery.”

         Institutional Investor LLC and LP purchases gained 1.6 percent for the month but are down 35.4 percent from February 2013.  Despite February’s modest gain, LLC and LP purchases were 50.1 percent below their December 2012 peak.  

         “For more than a year now, institutional investors have been gradually reducing their purchases of California real estate,” said Schnapp.   “Rising prices have reduced the return on investment, making homes less attractive as an investment option.”

          “In sum, the California housing market continues to improve,” said Schnapp, “just more slowly than most analysts expected, given that we are in the fifth year of an economic recovery.”

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Just Filling In

Thank You All

Happy New Year

 

Make it a Fabulous One

Tea at the Tournament of Roses House with the 2014 Rose Court

Well, got an invitation to attend a reception tea on Sunday.  Thanks Kelly.  If was such a magnificent a property.  The very old and large trees, the sweeping lawns that lead into a beautifully restored old mansion with sweeping views of the neighborhood. 

I have been past the home now used as the headquarters for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Association, which oversees the annual Rose Parade®.  This felt like a culmination of many years of visiting the Pasadena area for the annual parade and the floats a few times right on my birthday the day after the parade.  I was in three of the parades as a member of USC’s marching band – “the Spirit of Troy”.  It was a really fun afternoon enjoyed with my sister Nina, close friend Angela and our hosts Kelly, Tina and Rick.

There are TOURS OF TOURNAMENT HOUSE.  Each room at the top of the grand staircase has different historical memorabilia in it.  For me it was especially fun since I saw pictures of men I knew from my college days in the MVP room.  If you are in the Pasadena area especially after Dec 25 until Jan 2, you should schedule to view floats during their creation and finalizations, also volunteer to help out.  Wear warm clothes though, its freezing where you will be applying flower pieces to floats.  Then after the parade,on day of the parade and a few days after, you can view the floats, take in their utter magnificence and aromas.  It truly is heavenly.  Just wear comfortable shoes.  And the Pics:

Yes, it was a fun day had by all. 

3 min. video of a Kitchen Design and Renovation on Philadelphia's Main Line

 

video created by  Paul McAlary

Here is a Breakdown of their costs:

Cabinets: $18,000
Brushed quartzite and granite countertops: $4,000
Wolf and Sub-Zero Appliances: $16,000
Stainless steel farm-sink faucet, handles, lighting and fixtures: $3,000
Tile, flooring materials, miscellaneous materials: $2,000
All construction labor and materials, including electric; plumbing: $20,000
Fudge factor: $2,000
Total: $65,000

Cabinets: Inset New Ashford door style, Jim Bishop; island paint: Melange Green, Sherwin-Williams; cabinet paint: Dover White, Sherwin-Williams; island countertops: brushed quartzite in Super White; main countertops: Brushed Steel Grey granite; range, hood, microwave: Wolf; refrigerator: Sub-Zero; sink: Artisan Chef Pro Stainless Steel Apron Sink; cup pulls and knobs: brushed nickel, Top Knobs

Upgrading Your House with DIY Wood Molding